Black Cultural Archives appoints new Chief Executive
Dr Wanda Wyporska, FRHistS
Black Cultural Archives is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Wanda Wyporska, FRHistS, as our new Chief Executive.
Biography
Dr Wanda Wyporska is a well-known activist, historian and author, with decades of leadership experience. She has led The Equality Trust, the Society of Genealogists, Black Equity Organisation and Safe Passage International, bringing extensive experience and networks on both the national and international stage.
A daughter of Windrush, she has worked on racial justice in education, policy and practice with government and opposition parties across the political spectrum, and with communities. She is a Clore Social Fellow, a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and gained a doctorate from Hertford College, Oxford, as the Starun Senior Scholar.
Dr Wyporska has held a number of advisory roles, including, as an EDI advisor to the Mayor of London, as an advisor to the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust on reparatory activity, and has served on the Mayor’s London Recovery Task Board, the ONS Inclusive Data Taskforce, the ACEVO Advisory Group on Race, and the Young Carers DfE Stakeholders Group.
Wanda has commented extensively on social issues in the media, appearing on Woman’s Hour, Question Time, Newsnight, Moral Maze, Sky News, ITV News, BBC News, local/national broadcasters, and published pieces in the Guardian, HuffPo, Indie and local media. She has also delivered hundreds of talks, including at the United Nations, Rootstech, Women of the World Festival, at Windrush events, the Oxford Union, and TEDx.
She is currently a trustee at the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and the National Football Museum and has served as a school governor, as well as on the boards of Schools OUT UK, Gingerbread, Equally Ours, Redthread, Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), and was a founding trustee of UK for UNHCR.
Her first book was shortlisted for the Katherine Briggs Folklore Award and she is an avid crafter, who can be found working on mosaics, stained glass or knitting when she is not watching her beloved Liverpool FC.
Dr Wanda Wyporska said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled, as a historian and activist, to be leading Black Cultural Archives in its mission to collect, preserve, and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK and to inspire and give strength to individuals, communities, and society.
At this crucial time for our communities, I am looking forward to using our fantastic archival collections, museum objects and excellent training and educational programmes and resources to bring people together to ignite and inspire pride and activism in the fight for racial justice.
I am looking forward to working with the Board and new Chair, as well as an amazing team of colleagues to grow the impact and reach of Black Cultural Archives and to forge partnerships in service of our communities.”
Inez Brown, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Dr Wanda Wyporska as Chief Executive of Black Cultural Archives. Wanda brings a wealth of experience in leadership, activism and scholarship, and her vision for racial justice and community empowerment aligns with our mission and values. The Board looks forward to working with her as we enter the next chapter of BCA’s journey.”
The Board of Trustees and the BCA team warmly welcome Dr Wyporska and look forward to the impact of her leadership in serving our communities.